Kinks, Coils, and Curls

Understanding how porosity (yes, really) should guide your hair product choices

Kinks%2C+Coils%2C+and+Curls

Aminah Bradley-Pikes, Feature Writer

There’s so much to natural hair; so many styles, tips, rules, ideas, and information. Being natural comes with a lot of things to learn. Your hair has do and don’t just like everything else on and in your body does. Being natural is a lifestyle, you have will have to deal with the hairs on your head for a long time, so why not learn and enjoy it? I will try to keep you as informed as possible as you walk through your hair journey.

 

The natural hair community loves to hair-type. Being able to identify your hair can adds enjoyment in finding out where you fit in the natural hair group. There are three curly hair types: 2,3, and 4. I won’t be expanding on type 1 since it is simply straight hair. Each hair type represents a different curl pattern. Hair type 2 looks between straight and curly. Picture each strand like a lazy S or a wave. Type 3 hair is the ideal curl and resembles spirals. Type 4 hair is a tighter curl than type 3 hair. It sometimes favors a zigzag shape. It is the kinkest and coarsest of all the three hair types.  Making it even more complicated, in each hair type, there is a category A,B, and C. From A to C in each hair type, the curl become tighter and tighter. View the picture for a visual on the hair types.

 

Before you stress on whether you have 2a or 4c type hair, you should know hair typing will not tell you what exact you should do with your hair. Hair typing is stereotyping, it cannot accurately represent everyone’s curl pattern. Although, hair typing may be fun, it is not an important factor when dealing and styling your hair. Some people and product companies like to gear certain products towards certain hair types, but it’s more important to understand one key concept: porosity.

 

Porosity is your hair’s ability to obtain moisture. Moisture! Moisture! Moisture! Curly hair is naturally dry so moisture is key. Knowing the porosity of your hair is vital in a successful healthy hair journey! There are two ends of the porosity spectrum, high and low. High porosity means the outer layer of your hair, the cuticle, can easily absorb moisture. At the same time, it can easily lose the moisture. The reason for this is because the hair shaft is open. Therefore, water goes in and out easily. High porosity is usually a result of damage. Low porosity hair means it is more difficult to absorb moisture but once it does, it stays in the cuticle longer.

 

To find out your porosity, take a couple of your hair strands put them in room temperature water. Yes, you need to cut them but two of the hundred strands will not make a difference on your head. Make sure your hair is clean, oils or products will change your results. Watch your hair in the water for 2-4 minutes, if it sinks quickly then you have high porosity. If it still floats after 4 minutes, you have low porosity. If it sinks but not for a couple minutes then you have normal porosity.

 

So you are probably wondering what all this means for you and what should you should do with all this information. Knowing your porosity helps you understand what kind of products you need and how you should take care of your hair. Here are some tips and tricks for your porosity.

 

Low Porosity

  • Prone to product build up. Use shampoo to get rid give your hair a fresh start. Shampoo strips all the hair of its oils so only use when needed.
  • Deep Condition with indirect heat. Since the cuticle is close, heat with help open the hair shaft. After applying conditioner, put a plastic on and apply heat on top (hair dryer or hooded dryer).
  • Use water-based products.
  • Light oils are your friends. Use oils like argan oil, grapeseed oils, almond oils and jojoba oil. Since the cuticles are tightly bound, heavy oils will just sit on top of your hair.

 

High Porosity

 

  • Protein treatments are important. High porosity hair is usually a result of damage so if you are not incorporating protein treatments, it’s time to start. If you don’t where to start just type in “protein treatments for curly” in Google.
  • Find a some good leave-in conditioners. High porosity lose moisture easily so it is imperative to have a conditioner on your hair throughout your hairstyles.
  • Use heavier products. Thick products give your open cuticle a protective layer.
  • Use heavy oils. Avocado oil, castor oil, coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter can be melted with into a oil.
  • Do not use direct heat often. Too much heat is not good for any curly hair but high porosity should take more caution.

 

Normal Porosity

  • Still try the tips! You can use any of those tips and see what works for you.
  • A happy medium is great. You want to be in the middle of the spectrum.

 

Disclaimer: Everyone’s hair is different, some of the tips might not work for you. If it works great, and if it does not that ok try a different one.
I know that was a large about of information to throw at you all at once if you have any questions do not hesitate to reach out on Insta, Snap, Twitter, or Facebook @hazecentralpub!!